Shadowguard

by Gama Ray Martinez

  In spite of the early hour, Jez was excited about the prospect of learning to fight, and he took the stairs two at a time. There was a plot of land near the Academy grounds. A few soldiers were there engaged in mock sword fights. One nodded at Murus as the teacher led Jez to one end of the practice ground. Jez’s excitement of learning the sword quickly faded, as Murus spent the entire morning teaching him how to stand.

  “When am I going to learn how to use the sword?” Jez asked.

  “You’re learning now.”

  “No I’m not,” Jez said. “You’re just telling me how I’m standing wrong.”

  Murus reached out and shoved Jez who stumbled a few feet back. When he looked up, the swordsman had a finger pointed at Jez’s throat. Murus took a step forward and jabbed his finger into flesh so hard Jez coughed a few times.

  “You see? If this had been a sword, you’d be in trouble now, all because you weren’t standing properly. Now, let’s start again.”

  It went on like that for hours. No matter how hard Jez tried, Murus always found some minute problem with his stance. By lunchtime, Jez had cramps in muscles he hadn’t even known he had, and his arms felt like lead weights. Under Murus’s harsh gaze, Jez found himself wondering if he would ever actually get to hold his weapon.

  Near the middle of the day, Murus dismissed him. Rather than going to the eating hall near the base of the spire, Jez went to the Quarter Horse, a nearby inn that he’d heard some of the other students talking about. Most of the tables were occupied by people pouring over books. A thin man with wispy hair was wiping down a table. When he saw Jez, his eyes brightened, and he walked over to him and shook his hand.

  “You’re him, aren’t you?”

  “Him?”

  “The one who saved Kilos from that thing. I’m Lufka, Kilos’s father.”

  Jez looked at him blankly, but the innkeeper seemed not to notice. He practically dragged Jez to the table he’d been cleaning and called for a bowl of beef stew before sitting down across from Jez.

  “Kilos told me he lost control of that monster. It would’ve killed him, if not for you.”

  “You mean the phobos,” Jez said.

  Lufka touched two fingers to his forehead and bowed his head in a warding gesture before meeting Jez’s eyes. “Most people wouldn’t do that, especially not for a student of the lower tier.”

  “Sir, it wasn’t...” Jez hesitated. Wasn’t what? He couldn’t very well tell this man that he’d saved Kilos by accident. Jez turned away. “I only did what I could.”

  Lufka stood and patted Jez’s back. “Well, if you ever get tired of those rooms at the Academy, you’ll always have a place here. I can’t offer the luxury that you upper tiers are used to, but I’ll do what I can.”

  A serving girl brought food, and Lufka left to attend others. Jez just stared at him as he bustled around the common room. He didn’t even notice the man who’d sat across from him until he spoke.

  “That’ll get cold if you don’t eat it.”

  Jez jumped. The man across from him was tall and had olive skin. A well-trimmed beard covered his face, and he had dark eyes. He extended a hand.

  “I am Master Kerag, master of shadows.”

  Jez shook his hand. The man’s skin felt cold, and Jez found himself snatching his hand back as soon as the master had released it. Kerag grinned. “You don’t know why I’m here, do you?”

  Jez shook his head. “Sorry.”

  Kerag waved off the apology. “I’m here to awaken you. We’ll get started once you’re done with lunch.”

  “But the Baron...”

  “The chancellor has spoken to him. Once he pointed out that withdrawing you so suddenly would draw a lot of attention, he conceded and allowed you to remain.” Master Kerag smiled. “Every noble has some secrets after all, and Baron Dusan is no different.”

  Jez nodded. “I thought I would get time to rest until the term started.”

  Kerag’s brow furled. “Where would you get that idea?”

  CHAPTER 9

  It went on that way for the next three weeks. The mornings were spent with Murus learning the sword. After three days, Murus actually let him handle his own weapon, and he began seeing some progress, though his muscles still ached almost constantly. Kerag controlled his afternoons, which mainly consisted of sitting in silence in a small room while the shadow master wove power over him. That part was even more frustrating than his first day with Murus had been. At least in that lesson, Jez’s failures were his fault, but with Master Kerag, he had no idea if there was something he could be doing better.

  With what little time Jez had left over, he tried to find Master Besis, but the protection master seemed to be avoiding him. Jez tried to go into the building the phobos had come out of, but Master Besis had warned the adepts guarding the building, and they refused to let him in. Instead, Jez just stayed near it. Every once in a while, he’d catch the scent of sulfur and he knew someone had called a particularly powerful demon, but there was no repeat of the incident with the phobos.

  Three days before the start of the term, Kerag nodded.

  “There, it’s done.”

  “I’m awakened? Shouldn’t there be lights or sounds or something?”

  Kerag laughed. “There’s a lot of nonsense about magic in stories. Some of it is loud and flashy, but the vast majority of it, including an awakening, is subtle and easy to miss, but you are awakened.”

  Jez cupped his hand in front his face and concentered, trying to create a ball of light, but nothing came. He looked at Kerag.

  “You didn’t expect it to be that easy, did you? You have the ability.” Kerag smiled. “You have a lot of ability, in fact. You still have to learn to use it, though. It’s close to the surface now, and you should be able to access it easier. It shouldn’t leave you feeling as drained either.”

  “Does it always take that long?”

  Kerag pursed his lips. “No, in fact, it generally happens within a day or two.”

  Jez lowered his eyes. “Oh.”

  Kerag laughed. “Don’t concern yourself with that. It’s not unusual for those with instinctual magic to resist awakening. With you being as strong as you are, I’m a little surprised it didn’t take longer. Take the rest of the day off.” He grinned. “Try to avoid binding any demons.”

  The next day, Murus, apparently having been informed that Jez had his afternoon free, called him back for a session after lunch. It left him feeling exhausted, and what little time he had left, he spent the time wandering the city. The story of the phobos had spread through the town quickly, but it had died off just as suddenly, dismissed as just another of the strange things that happened in a place that taught magic, and he was able to lose himself in the crowd.

  On the first day of the term, Murus didn’t call him for lesson. Instead, Jez joined with a dozen other new students in a large room at the base of a central spire. Food of every type was laid on tables scattered throughout the room. Soft music filled the hall, though it had no obvious source. Paintings adorned the wall and a crystal chandelier sent colored lights dancing across the wall. Silver buttons decorated each robe marking the wearer as a member of the upper tier, children of nobles or influential merchants. Many, including Jez himself, wore swords at their waist, though the weapon still made Jez feel uncomfortable. The lower tier, those coming from common families who had been allowed into the Academy on the recommendation of one of the masters, hadn’t been invited. These people had spent all their lives in luxury. He felt like an imposter.

  The other attendees seemed perfectly at ease in these lavish surroundings, and they spoke easily with each other. Jez tried to involve himself in their conversations, but they all seemed to be talking about how much money or influence their families had. It was as if they were trying to outdo each other, so whenever someone turned to him, he’d politely withdrew from the conversation. He felt like they were laughing behind his back, but he never caught anyone actually doing it.

&n
bsp; Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a door swung open at the end of the hall. A short woman in a yellow robe stepped through it, followed by Besis, who wore blue. Five others, each in difference colors filed into the hall. A hush fell over the gathered people as they lined up near the door. The man in orange stepped forward. His long pointed face reminded Jez of an eagle, and he found himself flinching when the man looked in his direction. He cleared his throat as if to quiet the room, though no one was actually speaking.

  “Greetings all,” he said in a loud, booming voice. “I am Chancellor Balud, master of healing, and head of the Carceri Academy. You have all been accepted as acolytes into the most prestigious institute of learning in the world. As part of the upper tier, you make up the elite of those attending this Academy.”

  Jez wondered what Dusan could’ve said about him to get him into the upper tier. He had been the baron’s ward for less than a year, and though Dusan had hired tutors, Jez couldn’t imagine his education was anywhere near those who had grown up in noble houses, and who’d had access to such resources all their lives.

  “Your first term will be something of a probationary period,” the chancellor continued. “We will determine whether or not you are fit to study here. Don’t worry. As members of the upper tier, I’m sure none of you have anything to worry about. These,” he indicated the men and women beside him, “are masters in every major area of study. Master Linala of knowledge, Master Horgar of beasts, Master Besis of protection, Master Rael of secrets, Master Kerag of shadows, and Master Fina of destruction.” Each person inclined their heads as the chancellor said their name. “For most of the term, you’ll work with their adjutants, advanced students who’ve studied a given subject for several terms, but the tests at the end of the term will be administered by the masters themselves. You’ve each been assigned a master to serve as guide, though I understand some changes,” his eyes flickered to Besis, “have been requested. These guides will serve to help you work through any difficulties the first term. Go to them with any questions. For now, enjoy the reception, and get to know the masters and fellow students.”

  He inclined his head and the masters began moving through the crowd. Besis pulled Jez aside which set off a torrent of whispers nearby. The chancellor glared at them, but Besis ignored it.

  “I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring you. The other masters spend a lot of time preparing for examinations, but their actual workload during the tests is actually rather light. I’m somewhat the opposite. Many of the strongest demons are summoned during this time, and they keep me busy. I am still your guide, for now at any rate.”

  “But why?” Jez asked. “I mean, I thought the baron would’ve insisted you get removed.”

  “Oh he did,” Besis said, “but there’s been a peculiar sickness in Hiranta. It’s resisted Balud’s efforts to heal it. Most of his time has been spent in the city trying to find a cure, and he hasn’t had time to pick a replacement.”

  “What kind of disease?”

  “Oh, I don’t know the details. Something about people falling asleep and not waking up again. He says he’s never seen anything like it.”

  The hairs on the back of Jez’s neck stood on end, and the blood drained from his face. Besis noticed and waved off his concern.

  “Don’t give it any mind. It seems confined to the city below. It hasn’t made its way up the mountain. At any rate, it doesn’t appear to be contagious. It was probably just something they ate.”

  “But it’s not just in Hiranta. Some people have it in Randak.”

  Besis lifted an eyebrow. “Really? I’ll let the chancellor know. Perhaps there’s a common cause.”

  “You’re the duke’s boy,” a boy said.

  The speaker was short but stout with soft brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a smile that looked natural, as if smiling were all he did. Besis inclined his head and moved away.

  “Actually, I’m Baron Dusan’s ward.”

  Some of the boys around laughed and the pudgy boys face went red. He bowed to Jez. More because he didn’t know what else to do than for any other reason, Jez bowed back.

  “Don’t pay him any mind,” a rail thin girl with blond hair said. “His father is a knight. He has a granted title.” She the world ‘granted’ as if it should mean something to Jez. “He’s not true nobility. I’m Lina.”

  She extended a hand, and Jez looked her up and down. She had pale skin and deep green eyes, and he didn’t think her gown would look out of place at King Haziel’s court. Simply put, she was lovely, but she was also willing to dismiss others as being of lesser worth than she was, and he’d had enough of that over the past couple of months. With a flash of insight, he realized this was what his father feared he would become.

  “Neither am I,” he said.

  The room went silent and Jez looked around, somewhat surprised. About half the students were staring at him. Besis grinned at him but didn’t say anything. Lina’s eyes went wide and her mouth opened a little. He relished the shocked look on her face. He might not actually be nobility, but he was savvy enough to know that Master Dusan was an important man. He was also childless. Rumors had been circulation around Randak that the baron would eventually adopt him. Dusan had never mentioned it to him, but he’d hoped the rumors had spread to other parts of the kingdom as well. Lina looked back to a pair of students standing nearby, but they seemed just as shocked as she was. Lina was sputtering, and Jez considered saying something, but he had no idea what. Instead, he just nodded at the pudgy boy and walked out of the room. He was halfway up the stairs to the second floor when he realized he hadn’t actually gotten the boy’s name.

  CHAPTER 10

  All in all, Jez felt satisfied with his performance. He definitely didn’t want to associate with people like Lina. His only real mistake had been going up to his room from the reception. There was no way to leave the central spire without being seen by those downstairs, and he had no idea how to react if he was confronted again. As a result, he spent the next several hours, trapped in his own room. Finally, three hours later a knock came at his door. He opened it to find Master Besis.

  “Well, you certainly know how to make friends,” Besis said.

  Jez’s face reddened, and he stepped aside. Besis went in and sat in one of Jez’s chairs. Jez took the other one. Besis took in the room.

  “You keep a clean room.”

  Jez tried to keep a straight face, though the words made him feel a little ashamed. He glanced at the trunk that held all his worldly belongings. “I just don’t have that many things.”

  Besis nodded once. “Ah, my apologies. It’s so easy to forget you weren’t born to this life. You do it so naturally.”

  Jez stared at him for a second. “What?”

  “You handled Lina expertly. She won’t be quick to cross words with you again.” Jez shook his head and tried to understand what Besis was staying, but it escaped him. Besis’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you saying you don’t know what you did?”

  “I was actually wondering if I should find her to apologize.”

  Besis let out a bark of laughter. “Don’t be ridiculous. Lina Varindatter is a spoiled little girl who spends most of her time figuring out her exact rank among the nobility, which isn’t anywhere near yours, by the way.”

  “But I’m not noble.”

  Besis shrugged. “It’s a little complicated, and to tell you the truth, it’s not something I generally concern myself with. For all her talk of true nobility, her grandfather was elevated to the rank of Lord only fifty years ago, and her family has done nothing of significance since then. Their fief is composed of about half a dozen families.”

  “That’s more than I can say,” Jez said.

  Besis huffed and looked pointedly at the ring on Jez’s finger. Jez blushed and covered it with one hand. Besis raised an eyebrow, but Jez didn’t explain. Finally, Besis shrugged.

  “The general belief is that Dusan will formally adopt you within the next year. Even i
f he doesn’t, you’ll likely get an appointment in his barony, if not one in the court of King Haziel himself. Either would put you far above Lord Varin. On top of that, once you master binding, you’ll be one of the most respected mages in the kingdom, and master mages have a hierarchy of their own.”

  “But Baron Dusan doesn’t want me to study binding.”

  Besis shrugged. “Not yet, but he’s too intelligent to let this opportunity pass him by. A master mage of any sort will bring much prestige and influence to his house. He’ll come around. You just have to bide your time.”

  “Assuming I don’t get kicked out, you mean.”

  “Why would you be worried about that?”

  “Up until six months ago, I was just a fisherman’s son. I didn’t even know how to read. I’m still not that good at it. These people have all had private tutors and books and things like that all their lives.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that. It takes a lot for one of the upper tier to be expelled. The chancellor wouldn’t dream of putting you out, not after he went to the trouble of keeping you here. He’ll force the other masters to give you private lessons to help you catch up if that’s what it takes.”

  “Why would he do that?”

  Besis waved his hand at the room, and Jez looked around. The dream tapestry had been taken down, replaced by one of a wolf howling at the full moon. The wolf’s eyes seemed to be made of woven gold. For the first time, he realized the handle for the lantern hanging from the wall was made of silver, and he wondered when he’d become so used to that sort of thing that he stopped noticing it. Even the table had intricate carvings along the side. They were needlessly decadent, but the truth was that he enjoyed them.

  “Do you think we provide a room like this for everyone?” Besis asked. “Your patron is Baron Dusan of Korand and he had half a dozen other titles before he was named to the barony. Balud would never dream of offending someone that important. On top of that, if you become baron one day, he’ll want you as the Academy’s ally. He’ll tolerate faults in you that would get anyone else kicked out. As long as you don’t commit murder, you won’t be expelled.”